A new discount supermarket is set to open at the site of a car dealership in Coventry.

A planning application for discount supermarket chain Aldi to open a new store just yards from Cannon Park Shopping Centre, in Shultern Lane, Canley, has been recommended for approval by officers at Coventry City Council.

The application will be considered by the planning committee on Thursday and could see work around the land begin this month.

Aldi plans to open at the site currently occupied by car dealership Sutton Park Renault, just yards from the existing shopping centre dominated by rival chain Tesco.

The dealership recently successfully applied to Coventry City Council to renew its lease for 125 years – with a clause allowing it to sublet the site for retail use for 20 years.

The plans would see the existing building demolished and replaced.

Aldi says the store would create up to 50 jobs.

Tim Sawdon, Conservative councillor for Westwood, is set to speak at the committee meeting where he will oppose the application on traffic grounds.

Cannon Park Community Association has also raised concerns about the plans, suggesting the land should be used to extend the nearby cemetery and will increase the danger to pedestrians in the area.

But there have also been 25 letters of support for the application.

As part of the conditions for approval, Aldi will be forced to make improvements to the nearby footpath.